Purisima answers senators in closed-door meeting; didn’t invoke executive privilege

MANILA, Philippines – Resigned Philippine National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima did not invoke any executive privilege when he faced senators in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, Senate President Franklin Drilon said.

“He (Purisima) testified, answered questions,” Drilon said in an interview after the meeting.

“He did not invoke any executive privilege so we got information from him,” said the Senate leader, who refused to give further details on Purisima’s testimony.

The resigned Police Chief was called to an executive session after he refused to answer during last week’s hearing some senators’ query as to who had informed President Benigno Aquino III about the Mamasapano incident that left 44 elite policemen dead.

Instead, Purisima said he would have to ask clearance first from the President before answering the question.

Purisima was the last resource person to face the closed-door meeting of the senators after two survivors in the Mamasapano encounter, relieved PNP-Special Action Force Director Getulio Napenas, and a military official.

Drilon said members of three committees investigating the incident have yet to decide whether or not to release to the public the testimonies done during the executive sessions.